African  Colonization. 


AN  ADDRESS  DELIVERED  AT  THE 


FIFTY-SECOND  ANNUAL  MEETING 


OF  THE 


mencaii  (Kfllmmatmi  forietn 


HEED  IN 


Washington,  D.  C.,  January  : 9,  1869, 


BY 


Hon.  Joseph  J.  Roberts, 

President  of  Liberia  College,  and  formerly  for  eight  years  President  of  the 

Liberia  Republic. 


A anch  jDffice 

OP  THE 

AMERICAN  COLONIZATION  SOCIETY. 
Room  No.  2 4 Bible  H o n s e , 
NEW  YORK  CITY- 


Rev.  JOHN  ORCUTT,  Secretary. 


. 


African  Colonization 


AN  ADDRESS  DELIVERED  AT  THE 


FIFTY-SECOND  ANNUAL  MEETING 


OF  THE 

Jottman  CMflimatiKni 


HELD  IN 

Washington,  D.  C.,  January  19,  1869, 

BY 

Hon.  Joseph  J.  Roberts, 

President  of  Liberia  College,  and  formerly  for  eight  years  President  of  the 

Liberia  Republic. 


fr.  J3ranch  JDffice 

OF  THE 


AMERICAN  COLONIZATION  SOCIETY, 
Roo  in  No.  24  Bible  H ouse, 

MOW  YORK  CITY. 


I 


t 


Rev.  JOHN  0RCUTT,  Secretary. 


ADDRESS 


OF 


HON.  JOSEPH  J.  EOBEHTS, 


Ex- 1* resident  of  the  I'rpublic  of  Liberia. 


Mu.  President  : An  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society  can  nevefr  fail,  I prosumo,  to  bo  an  occasion  of  deep  interest  to 
the  friends  of  an  enterprise  so  eminently  philanthropic  in  all  its  purposes, 
and  particularly  grand  in  its  design  to  introduce  the  blessings  of  civiliza- 
tion and  Christianity  into  the  waste  places  of  long-neglected  and  deeply- 
degraded  Africa.  On  thou ) occasions,  while  the  attention  of  the  managers 
of  the  affairs  of  the  Society  is  specially  drawn  to  a review  of  the  labors 
and  results  of  the  year  immediately  preceding,  and  to  the  adoption  of 
additional  measures  deemed  desirable  or  necessary  to  the  further  prose- 
cution of  the  undertaking,  the  minds  of  its  patrons  instinctively  revert 
to  the  great  objects  originally  contemplated  by  the  enterprise,  and  a 
review  of  the  progress  that  has  been  made  in  their  definite  accomplish- 
ment. And  in  turning  their  thoughts  to  these  on  the  present  occasion,  I 
think  there  can  be  no  question  that,  notwithstanding  the  stern  opposition 
encountered  from  certain  quarters,  in  consequence  of  a total  misappre- 
hension of  the  true  policy  and  objects  of  the  Christian  promoters  of 
African  colonization,  and  tho  embarrassments  and  discouragements 
which  have  occasionally  arisen  from  other  causes  during  the  progress  of 
tho  enterprise,  the  friends  of  the  cause  have  great  reason  to-day  for  con- 
gratulation and  thankfulness  at  tho  wonderful  success  which  has  so  far 
attended  their  efforts — a success,  I dare  say,  far  beyond  the  most  san- 
guine expectation  of  those  distinguished  philanthropists  who  first  gave 
form  and  impulse  to  a scheme  which,  though  surrounded  by  many  diffi- 
culties and  apprehensions,  they  hoped  and  believed  would,  under  Divine 
Providence,  eventuate  in  good  and  great  results  to  a people  they  earnestly 
desired  to  benefit. 


4 


The  scneme  of  African  colonization  is  the  offspring  of  a great  Chris- 
tian idea,  which,  more  than  half  a century  ago,  fixed  itself  in  the  minds 
of  Drs.  Finley  and  Thornton,  Gen.  Charles  Fenton  Mercer,  Elias  B.  Cald- 
well, Francis  S.  Key.  and  other  kindred  spirits,  who  deeply  deplored  the 
oppression  to  which  the  people  of  color  were  subjected  in  this  country, 
and  feeling  profoundly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  devising  some 
plan  by  which  the  condition  of  a part  of  this  people  might  be  immedi- 
ately and  radically  changed,  and  in  such  a way  as  to  create  a reflex 
influence  which  would  produce  a salutary  effect  upon — as  then  existed — 
the  abominable  institution  of  American  slavery.  Hence  the  organization 
of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  which  you,  Mr.  President,  and  the 
Board  of  Directors  here  present  to-day.  represent.  Those  pure  and  dis- 
interested men,  with  a wise  forethought  which  penetrated  far  into  the 
future,  contemplated  with  earnest  solicitude  the  accomplishment  of  designs 
in  respect  to  Africa,  no  less  gigantic  in  their  proportions  than  important 
in  their  results;  and  it  is  not  surprising  that  irresolute  minds  questioned 
the  ability  of  any  mere  private  association  to  fulfill  so  great  an  under- 
taking. 

The  programme  of  the  founders  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  as  I have  always  understood  it,  and  which,  as  far  as  I know, 
has  not  been  departed  from,  was : 1st.  To  establish  on  the  shores 
of  Africa  an  asylum  where  such  of  her  scattered  children  as  might 
choose  to  avail  themselves  of  it  would  find  a free  and  happy  home ; 
and  in  this  connection  they  would  fairly  test  the  capacity  of  the 
African  for  self-government  and  the  maintenance  of  free  political 
institutions.  2d.  That  through  the  instrumentality  of  a colony  thus 
established,  composed  of  men  who  had  themselves  been  the  victims 
of  cruel  servitude,  additional  facilities  would  be  afforded  for  the  extirpa- 
tion of  the  slave  trade,  then  rampant,  with  all  its  attendant  horrors,  at 
nearly  every  prominent  point  along  that  Western  coast.  3d.  By  means 
of  Christian  settlements,  in  the  midst  of  that  barbarous  people,  to  intro- 
duce the  blessings  of  civilization  and  Christianity  among  the  heathen 
tribes  of  that  degraded  land. 

These  were  grand  conceptions,  embracing  nothing  less  than  the 
founding  of  an  empire  with  negro  nationality',  and  the  redemption  of  a 
continent  from  pagan  superstition  and  idolatry.  Of  course,  a work  of 
such  magnitude  required  large  material  resources  and  suitable  men  as 
emigrants,  to  conduct  it  in  a manner  promising  successful  results.  We 
can,  therefore,  readily  imagine  the  serious  misgivings  which  must  have 
weighed  heavily  on  the  minds  of  those  good  men  when  they  engaged  in 
an  enterprise  necessarily  involving,  in  all  its  details,  so  many  apprehen- 
sions as  to  the  future.  But  they  were  men  of  great  faith  and  energy, 
fully  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  their  mission  in  behalf  of  humanity  and 


5 


religion,  and,  therefore,  hesitated  not  to  commit  the  success  of  their 
undertaking  to  the  direction  and  support  of  an  all-wise  Providence. 

But  it  is  not  my  purpose  on  this  occasion  to  trace  the  history  of  tho 
American  Colonization  Society,  either  in  regard  to  the  opposition  it  has 
encountered,  or  the  sympathy  and  care  by  which  it  has  been  fostered  and 
sustained  during  its  long  years  of  agency  in  promoting  the  civil,  social, 
and  religious  interests  of  Africa.  The  work  of  colonizing  a people,  under 
the  most  favorable  auspices,  has  always  been  attended  with  many  difficul- 
ties and  discouragements;  and,  in  the  case  of  this  Society,  dependent 
entirely  upon  voluntary,  individual  contributions  for  the  means  of  prose- 
cuting its  enterprise,  and  also  considering  the  remoteness  of  the  country 
to  which  its  efforts  were  directed,  it  could  not  be  otherwise  than  that  its 
progress  in  colonizing  would  be  slow  and  peculiarly  difficult.  Neverthe- 
less, with  unfaltering  perseverance,  the  Society  has  pursued  its  course,  and 
has  already  effected  an  amount  of  good  that  entitles  it  to  the  confidence 
and  generous  support  of  the  Christian  public.  And  yet,  even  now,  it  is 
sometimes  asked  : “ What  has  African  colonization  accomplished  ? Have 
tho  labors,  the  sacrifices,  and  the  means  which  have  been  expended  pro- 
duced such  results  as  should  satisfy  the  public  mind  of  its  practical  utility 
and  probable  ultimate  success  ?”  These  questions,  to  be  sure,  may  not  be 
regarded  as  impertinent  on  the  part  of  those  who  are  really  ignorant  of 
the  history  of  African  colonization,  and  what  has  actually  been  accom- 
plished under  the  auspices  of  the  American  Colonization  Society.  And  as 
these  questions  have  been  put  to  me  more  than  once  during  my  present 
visit  to  the  United  States,  I don’t  know  that  I can  do  better  than  to  avail 
myself  of  this  occasion  to  present  a brief  statement  of  the  rise  and 
progress  of  Liberia  under  the  auspices  of  this  Society,  and  then  I shall 
be  content  to  allow  those  who  seem  to  be  in  doubt  as  to  the  utility  of  Afri- 
can colonization  to  settle  the  question  in  their  own  minds  as  to  whether 
the  colonization  enterprise  is  entitled  to  their  confidence  and  support  or 
not. 

As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  formal  organization  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  and  the  necessary  preliminary  arrangements 
towards  planting  a colony  in  Western  Africa  had  been  concluded,  steps 
were  taken  for  sending  forward  the  first  company  of  emigrants  to  organize 
a new  civil  society  on  that  distant,  barbarous  coast.  Therefore,  early  in 
the  year  1820,  eighty-six  persons,  from  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  Vir- 
ginia, Maryland,  and  New  York,  assembled  in  the  city  of  New  York,  for 
the  purpose  of  embarking  upon  this  new  and  perilous  enterprise.  It  was 
a profoundly  anxious  time,  no  less  with  the  patrons  of  the  Society  than 
with  the  emigrants.  The  friends  of  the  Society  were  deeply  concerned  in 
regard  to  the  suitableness  of  the  men  about  to  be  employed  in  so  great 
an  undertaking,  and  where  so  much  depended  upon  the  adaptability  of 


t 


the  materials  thus  engaged  for  the  foundation  of  a new  civil  and  political 
superstructure.  Doubtless  their  hopes  and  fears  were  about  equally 
balanced.  On  the  part  of  the  emigrants,  as  often  related  to  me  by  Rev. 
Elijah  Johnson,  the  most  prominent  individual  of  the  company,  their 
feelings  wore  greatly  excited  by  conflicting  emotions,  which  swayed  to 
and  fro  between  the  present  and  the  future.  They  were  about  severing 
all  the  ties  of  early  associations,  and  many  of  them  lea-sung  comfortable 
homes  for  a far-off  land,  wholly  unbroken  by  civilization,  and  presenting 
but  few  attractions — other  than  liberty  dwelt  there.  They,  therefore, 
resolved  to  fleo  a country  which  repudiated  their  manhood,  and  closed 
against  them  every  avenue  to  political  preferment ; and,  with  their  lives 
in  their  hands,  they  determined  to  brave,  not  only  the  perils  of  the  sea, 
but  every  other  danger  and  inconvenience  consequent  upon  settling  in  a 
new  and  heathen  country,  where  they  might  establish  for  themselves  and 
their  children,  and,  peradventure,  for  future  generations,  a home,  under 
governmental  institutions,  free  from  all  the  trammels  of  unequal  law  and 
unholy  prejudices.  These  were  true  men,  stout  of  heart  and  firm  of 
purpose,  and,  in  the  sequel,  proved  themselves  equal  to  the  responsibili- 
ties they  had  assumed,  and  fulfilled  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of 
their  patrons  and  friends. 

Our  Christian  pioneers — like  the  Pilgrim  Fathers  just  two  hundred 
years  before,  when  about  to  embark  from  Delft  Haven,  in  search  of  a 
more  dcsirablo  homo  in  the  new  world — by  solemn  and  appropriate 
religious  services,  committed  themselves  and  their  cause  to  the  protect- 
ing caro  of  Almighty  God  ; and,  having  completed  all  their  arrangements 
for  the  voyage,  sailed  from  New  York  on  board  the  good  ship  “Elizabeth,” 
on  the  Gth  day  of  February,  1820,  and,  in  due  time,  were  landed  on  the 
coast  of  Africa,  at  the  British  colony  of  Sierra  Leone.  For  obvious 
reasons,  it  was  not  contemplated  to  incorporate  these  emigrants  with  the 
inhabitants  of  this  British  colony  ; and,  therefore,  early  measures  were 
taken  to  remove  them  to  Shcrbro  Island,  about  one  Hundred  and  twenty 
miles  south  of  Sierra  Leone,  where  it  was  proposed  to  purchase  lands 
from  the  native  chiefs,  and  organize  a settlement,  with  the  view  of  car- 
rying  out  the  original  plans  of  the  Society.  This  location,  however, 
proved  to  be  exceedingly  insalubrious,  and  in  a short  time,  many  of  the 
settlers  were  prostrated  by  disease.  Having  encountered  hero  many 
difficulties  and  hardships,  and  finding  their  numbers  greatly  reduced  by 
deaths,  the  place  was  abandoned,  and  the  survivors  removed  to  Fourah 
Bay,  within  the  precincts  of  Sierra  Leone.  This  first  attempt  was,  of 
course,  discouraging,  but  tho  emigrants  faltered  not  in  their  purpose ; 
and,  being  joined  at  Fourah  Bay,  in  March,  1822,  by  another  company 
of  pioneers,  a second  effort  was  determined  upon  at  Capo  Mesurado, 
which  had,  in  the  meantime,  been  selected  and  purchased  by  Captain 


7 


Stockton  and  Doctor  Ayres  —a  location  much  more  commanding  and 
eligible  than  the  first,  and,  I have  often  thought,  the  very  place  of  all 
others  on  that  coast,  designed  by  Providence  as  the  starting  point  of  our 
settlers.  And  in  January,  1822,  the  colonists  landed,  and  occupied  a 
little  island,  comprising  about  three  acres  of  land,  near  the  entranco  of 
the  Mesurado  liiver.  This  island,  during  its  occupancy  by  the  colonists, 
was  the  scene  of  many  stirring  incidents,  and  several,  as  appeared  to  the 
colonists,  providential  deliverances ; wherefore,  in  commemoration  of 
these,  it  bears  the  name  of  “Providence  Island.” 

They  had  been  but  a short  time  on  this  island,  when  the  foreign 
slave  dealers,  who  were  then  conducting  a large  business  in  slaves  at  the 
Cape,  became  convinced  of  the  danger  to  which  their  trade  was  exposed 
through  the  influence  of  the  colonists,  incited  the  natives  to  hostilities 
against  the  new  comers ; and,  without  any  previous  intimation,  they 
found  themselves  cut  off  from  all  communication  with  the  main  land, 
whence  they  drew  their  only  supply  of  fresh  water.  In  this  emergency, 
they  were  providentially  relieved  by  the  kindness  of  a friendly  chief, 
who  conveyed  to  them  stealthily,  at  night,  a sufficient  quantity  of  water 
to  supply  their  pressing  demands ; and  this  he  continued  for  several 
weeks.  At  this  critical  juncture,  their  public  warehouse,  with  nearly  all 
their  stores  of  provisions  and  merchandise,  was  consumed  by  fire,  and 
their  utter  ruin  seemed  now  inevitable.  But  a remarkable  incident, 
occurring  a few  days  after,  greatly  contributed  to  their  relief,  and,  pos- 
sibly, saved  the  little  settlement  from  total  destruction.  A Spanish  slave 
schooner,  in  charge  of  an  English  prize  crew,  bound  to  Sierra  Leone,  was 
unaccountably  stranded  in  the  harbor,  but  a short  distance  from  the 
island ; and  the  commanding  officer,  having  saved  a large  portion  of 
the  ship’s  stores,  readily  supplied  tho  colonists  with  several  articles 
pressingly  needed  to  replenish  their  almost-exhausted  means  of  sub- 
sistence. 

After  a while,  through  tho  intervention  of  a friendly  chief,  a partial 
reconciliation  with  the  natives  was  effected,  and  tho  colonists  availed 
themselves  of  the  opportunity,  April  25th,  to  gain  a lodgment  on  Capo 
Mesurado,  where  they  placed  themselves,  as  speedily  as  possible,  in  tho 
best  state  of  defense  their  means  would  allow.  Tho  natives,  however, 
urged  on  by  the  slavers,  appeared  still  threatening  in  their  demeanor. 
The  Society’s  agents,  under  the  conflicting  aspect  of  things,  became  hopo- 
lcssly  discouraged,  and  proposed  the  abandonment  of  the  enterprise,  and 
the  return  of  the  emigrants  to  the  United  States.  But  our  old  hero, 
Elijali  Johnson,  was  not  so  moved  ; and,  remembering  something  of  the 
history  of  the  difficulties  and  hardships  of  tne  early  settlers  of  Plymouth 
and  Jamestown,  and  feeling  that  by  perseverance  and  patient  endurance 
they,  also,  might  succeed,  answered  : “ No ; I have  been  two  years 
searching  for  a home  in  Africa,  and  I have  found  it,  and  I shall  stay 


8 


here.”  In  this  determination  the  whole  company,  as  though  moved  by 
some  divine  impulse,  heartily  concurred.  Nevertheless,  their  situation 
was  extremely  perilous ; the  natives  had  again  suspended  all  intercourse 
with  them,  leaving  them  in  a painful  state  of  apprehension  and  suspense. 
They  knew,  however,  in  whom  they  trusted,  and  upon  whose  strength 
they  might  rely.  The  arrival  in  tho  harbor,  pending  this  uncertainty,  of 
a British  man-of-war,  was  particularly  opportune,  and  doubtless  delayed 
an  attack  upon  the  settlement,  which,  as  was  afterwards  learned,  had 
been  concerted.  T]ie  commander  had  an  interview  with  the  chiefs,  and 
strongly  remonstrated  against  their  course  towards  the  settlers.  They 
listened  sullenly,  and  replied  evasively.  The  commander  then  tendered 
to  the  colonists  a small  forge  of  marines,  to  aid  in  their  defense,  in  case 
of  need,  and,  at  the  same  time,  suggested  the  cession  of  a few  feet  of 
ground,  on  which  to  erect  a British  flag  during  his  sojourn;  but  this, 
Elijah  Johnson,  then  in  charge  of  the  colony,  declined,  for  the  reason,  as 
he  stated,  ‘ ‘ that  it  might  cost  more  to  pull  down  that  flag  than  to  whip 
the  natives.”  However,  the  services  of  the  marines  were  not  brought  into 
requisition.  Thus  matters  continued,  when,  on  the  9th  of  August,  the 
hearts  of  the  settlers  were  cheered  by  the  arrival  of  another  small  com- 
pany of  emigrants,  with  the  intrepid  and  self-sacrificing  Jehudi  Ashmun, 
who  entered  immediately  on  the  duties  of  his  office  as  agent  of  the  Amer- 
ican Colonization  Society.  Mr.  Ashmun,  having  carefully  surveyed  the 
situation,  pushed  forward  with  great  energy  the  defenses  of  the  settle- 
ment, and  in  tho  meantime,  exerted  every  possible  effort  to  reconcile  the 
natives.  The  slavers,  however,  becoming  more  intent  upon  the  purpose 
of  ridding  themselves  of  neighbors  so  inimical  to  their  traffic,  assembled 
a council  of  chiefs,  and,  by  most  inhuman  artifices,  so  excited  their 
cupidity  as  to  induce  King  George,  Chief  King  of  the  Dey  tribe,  to  declare 
his  intention  of  sacking  and  burning  the  settlement. 

Intelligence  of  this  declaration,  and  of  the  preparations  being  made 
for  carrying  it  into  effect,  reached  the  settlers,  through  a friendly  native, 
who,  at  great  personal  hazard,  found  the  means  of  advising  them  from 
time  to  time  of  what  was  going  on.  Our  brave  pioneers,  with  breathless  anx- 
iety, awaited  the  impending  struggle,  when,  at  early  dawn,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  11th  of  November,  about  eight  hundred  warriors,  with  deafen- 
ing whoops,  fell  upon  them  with  great  fury.  They  were  met,  however, 
with  steady  fii’mness,  and  repulsed  with  considerable  loss.  The  colo- 
nists again  breathed  freely  in  the  hope  that  their  most  serious  troubles 
were  now  fully  ended.  But  not  so.  King  George,  with  great  secrecy, 
collected  another  and  greatly  augmented  force,  intending  to  surprise  the 
settlement  on  all  sides,  and  thus  make  the  settlers  an  easy  prey.  Hap- 
pily for  them,  their  good  fortune  in  this  oxtremity  failed  them  not.  Bob 
Grey,  an  influential  chief  of  Grand  Bassa,  whom  King  George  had 
attempted  to  enlist  in  his  second  attack,  and  who  knew  all  his  plans,  con- 


9 


veyed  to  Mr.  Ashmun  timely  information  of  all  George’s  arrangements, 
and  even  named  the  day  on  -which  the  attack  would  likely  be  made. 

Now,  another  very  serious  embarrassment  presented  itself.  In  the 
last  fight  the  settlers  had  expended  a largo  portion  of  their  ammunition, 
especially  powder;  and  how  and  where  to  obtain  an  additional  supply  cf 
this  needed  article  were  questions  of  the  deepest  concern.  No  trading 
vessel  had  \isited  the  harbor  for  some  time ; and  despair  began  to  dispel 
hope,  when  relief  came  in  a very  remarkable  manner.  During  night, 
while  an  English  trading  vessel  was  passing  the  Cape,  the  attention  of 
the  master  was  attracted  by  frequent  reports  of  musketry  on  shore,  which 
seemed  to  him  singular  at  so  late  an  hour,  and,  wishing  to  learn  the 
cause,  turned  and  entered  the  harbor,  and,  in  the  morning,  ascertained 
that  the  natives  had  been  indulging,  through  the  night,  a grand  war- 
dance — usual  on  such  occasions  when  preparing  for  war.  Unobserved 
by  the  natives,  a sufficient  supply  of  powder  was  obtained  from  this 
vessel. 

The  dreaded  time,  as  advised  by  Bob  Grey,  having  arrived,  sure 
enough,  during  the  night  of  the  1st  of  December  1822,  the  native  troops 
occupied  positions  on  three  sides  of  the  settlement,  as  they  supposed, 
unobserved  ; and  in  the  gray  of  morning  rushed,  like  so  many  demons, 
upon  the  almost  defenseless  stockade.  But  the  colonists,  with  unflinching 
courage,  notwithstanding  the  fearful  odds  against  them,  defended  them- 
selves bravely;  and  after  a desperate  conflict  of  several  hours,  found  them- 
selves again  wonderfully  preserved.  I say  wonderfully,  because  on  this 
occasion  the  colonists  seem  to  have  exerted  superhuman  strength  and 
powers  of  endurance,  for  there  were  only  thirty -five  effective  men  opposed 
to  a host  of  not  less  than  fifteen  hundred  native  troops.  Some  of  the 
soul-stirring  incidents  and  acts  of  real  heroism  on  that  memorable  day 
would,  I presume,  if  mentioned  here,  scarcely  be  credited. 

A day  of  thanksgiving  was  proclaimed,  which  the  colonists  strictly 
observed  in  prayer  and  praise  to  Almighty  God  for  His  wonderful  deliv- 
erance. 

But  King  George  and  his  slave-trading  prompters  were  not  yet  sat- 
isfied. He  again  consulted  his  “ gree-grees,”  and  being  again  reassured 
of  success,  he  determined  on  another  attempt ; and  to  place  success  this 
time  beyond  peradventure,  he  would  employ  a force  sufficiently  large 
to  overwhelm  and  destroy  the  colony,  without  the  possibility  of  escape. 
"With  this  view,  he  sought  to  engage  the  services  of  King  Boatswain, 
of  Boporo,  the  most  powerful  and  dreaded  chieftain  in  that  region.  At 
his  invitation,  King  Boatswain,  with  a large  retinue  of  warriors,  made  a 
visit  to  King  George,  which  was  protracted  several  days,  causing  the 
colonists  extreme  anxiety.  King  George,  however,  could  present  no  just 
ground  of  complaint  against  the  colonists  therefore,  Boatswain  not  only 
condemned  his  unprovoked  enmity  toward  them,  but,  in  very  decided 


10 


terms,  announced  his  determination  to  protect  them  in  their  new  home. 
King  Boatswain  then  called  on  Mr.  Ashmun,  informed  him  of  the  re- 
sult of  his  interview  with  King  George,  and  assured  him  of  his  friend- 
ship. Neiter  Mr.  Ashmun  nor  King  George  mistrusted  King  Boatswain's 
sincerity,  and  very  soon  a good  understanding  was  established  with  all 
the  surrounding  tribes. 

Now  was  settled  definitely  the  question  of  a permament  asylum.  Liberia 
was  established.  Emigration  increased  ; intercourse  and  trade  with  the 
natives  also  increased  ; new  settlements  were  formed  ; and  in  a few 
years  the  colony  assumed  an  importance  which  secured  to  it  several  im- 
portant immunities. 

Yet  many  hardships  and  serious  embarrassments  had  to  be  encoun- 
tered. The  unhealthiness  of  the  climate  was  a formidable  enemy;  and 
the  slave-traders  along  the  coast  ceased  not  their  tamperings  with  the 
native  cheifs  to  incite  them  to  acts  of  hostility  against  the  colony. 

But  the  time  arrived  when  the  colonists  found  themselves  in  a situation 
sufficiently  advanced,  not  only  to  frustrate  the  machinations  of  these 
fiendish  plotters,  but  to  put  in  execution  also  their  own  long-cherished 
purpose  of  doing  all  in  their  power  to  extirpate  a traffic  which,  aside  from 
the  extreme  cruelties  of  the  middle  passage,  had,  for  many  years  afflicted 
Africa  with  all  the  attendant  consequences  of  war,  rapine,  and  murder. 

On  the  execution  of  this  purpose  the  colonists-entered  with  a hearty 
good-will ; and,  besides  efficient  service  rendered  from  time  to  time  by 
foreign  cruisers  then  employed  in  suppressing  the  slave-trade  on  that 
coast,  the  slave  barracoons  at  Mamma  Town,  Little  Cape  Mount,  Little 
Bassa,  New  Cestors,  and  Trade  Town,  were  demolished,  and  thousands  of 
slaves  liberated,  solely  by  the  power  of  the  little  Commonwealth  ; and 
there  was  no  relaxation  of  this  purpose  until  every  slaver  had  been  ex- 
pelled from  the  whole  line  of  coast  now  comprehended  within  -tlie*territo- 
rial  jurisdiction  of  Liberia. 

During  these  years,  all  that  related  to  the  public  welfare  and  general 
progress  of  the  colony  received  proper  attention.  The  Society’s  agents 
devoted  themselves  assiduously  to  the  Govermental  interests  of  the  colony^ 
and  the  colonists  to  their  respective  industrial  pursuits,  with  a zeal  and 
activity  truly  commendable. 

As  immigration  increased,  new  points  of  the  coast  were  selected  and 
occupied.  {Settlements  were  formed  at  Junk  River,  Grand  Bassa,  Sinoe, 
and  Cape  Palmas;  and  soon  a lucrative  legitimate  trade  began  to  develop 
itsoll  between  the  colonists  and  the  natives 

In  the  meantime,  the  religious  and  educational  interests  of  the  people 
were  not  only  :ot  neglected,  but  every  possible  means  were  employed  to 
extend  and.  improve  these ; and  it  is  with  feelings  of  profound  gratitude 
I allude  to  the  met  that  Liberia  is  to-day  greatly  indebted  to  the  several 
Missionary  Societies  of  tho  United  States  for  the  timoly  and  efficient 


11 


efforts  made  in  behalf  of  colonists  and  natives  to  advance  these  essential 
interests  ; and  I shall  hope  that  these  Societies  will  continue  their  Chris- 
tian offorts  until  Africa,  poor  degraded  Africa,  shall  bo  wholly  redeemed 
from  her  present  state  of  cruel  barbarism. 

Under  tho  fostering  caro  and  political  guidance  of  the  American  Colo- 
nization Society,  Liberia  continued  to  advance  in.  all  her  important 
interests.  Her  territorial  limits  increased  by  purchases  from  native 
^ chiefs,  who  were  glad  to  place  themselves  and  their  people  under  the 
protection  of  the  Colonial  Government.  A profitable  trade,  in  African 
products,  along  tho  Liberian  coast,  soon  attracted  the  attention  of  enter- 
prising merchants  in  Europe,  and  in  the  United  States  ; foreign  vessels 
made  frequent  visits  to  Liberian  ports  ; and  for  many  years  this  commer- 
cial intercourse  was  reciprocally  remunerative  and  harmonious.  But  the 
timo  came  when  certain  British  traders  repudiated  the  right  of  the  Colo- 
nial Government  to  require  of  them  the  payment  of  custom  duties  on 
merchandise  landed  at  points  where,  for  centuries,  British  merchants  had 
been  accustomed  to  trade  ; and  also  claimed  to  have  purchased  from  the 
natives,  with  tho  perpetual  right  of  free  trade,  certain  tracts  of  land,  for 
trading  purposes,  before  the  territories  embracing  said  tracts  were  pur- 
chased and  brought  within  the  jurisdiction  of  Liberia.  The  Government, 
of  course,  declined  to  recognize  these  demands  as  paramount  to  its  polit- 
ical authority,  and  therefore  continued  to  enforce  its  revenue  laws.  These 
traders  invoked  the  interference  of  British  naval  officers  serving  on  the 
coast ; these  offices,  after  unavailing  remonstrances,  submitted  the  ques- 
tion to  the  British  Government  ; that  Government  demanded  a full  con- 
cession of  the  immunities  claimed  by  British  subjects.  A long  and  per- 
plexing correspondence  ensued  between  British  naval  officers,  acting 
under  special  instructions  from  their  Government,  and  the  Colonial 
authorities.  Her  Majesty’s  Government  maintained  that,  as  the  Amer- 
ican Colonization  Society,  composed  of  mere  private  individuals,  possessed 
no  political  power,  and  of  consequence  could  delegate  no  such  power  to 
others  ; and  as  the  levying  of  imposts  is  the  prerogative  of  a sovereign 
power  only,  and  as  Liberia  had  no  recognized  national  existence,  she 
must,  therefore,  desist  from  all  interruptions  to  the  free  intercourse  of 
British  commerce.  And  the  Liberian  authorities  were  given  distinctly 
to  understand  that  this  decision  would  be  enforced  by  tho  British  navy. 

Under  this  emphatic  announcement,  but  one  alternative  remained  open 
•to  tho  colonists,  and  this  involved  questions  of  the  gravest  importance, 
which  awakened  in  Liberia,  as  well  as  on  the  part  of  its  friends  in  this 
country,  most  serious  reflections.  For  two  years  or  more,  the  subject  was 
under  constant  and  earnest  consideration;  when,  in  January,  1846,  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  by  a formal  vote,  recommended  that  the 
colonists  “take  into  their  own  hands  the  whole  work  of  self-government, 
and  publish  to  the  world  a declaration  of  their  true  character  as  a sov- 


12 


ereign  independent  State.”  The  following  October,  the  colonists  also 
voted  to  dissolve  their  political  connection  with  the  Society,  and  to  assume 
the  entire  responsibility  of  government,  with  independent  sovereign  power. 
A Constitution,  adapted  to  the  new  order  of  things,  having  been  adopted, 
by  delegates  assembled  in  Convention  for  the  purpose,  July  26,  1847,  and 
duly  ratified  by  the  people  the  following  September,  the  Government  was 
thus  reorganized,  and  entered,  with  some  misgivings  to  be  sure,  upon  its 
new  career  and  increased  responsibilities. 

Its  recognition  by  other  Powers  now  claimed  the  earliest  attention,  and 
without  delay  measures  were  taken  to  this  end  by  soliciting  of  foreign 
Governments  an  interchange  of  friendly  national  relations.  And,  within 
a year  after  the  new  organization,  England,  France,  Prussia,  and  Belgium 
had  acknowledged  the  independence  of  the  new  Republic ; and  shortly 
afterwards  treaties  of  friendship,  amity,  and  commerce  were  concluded 
with  the  two  former. 

In  the  meantime,  the  domestic  affairs  of  the  country  had  progressed  as 
satisfactorily  as  might  reasonably  be  expected.  Several  matters  of  dispute 
between  native  chiefs  were  adjusted  and  settled  ; public  improvements 
were  extended  ; agriculture  and  commerce  increased  ; and  the  people  had 
steadily  advanced  in  all  the  essentials  of  civilized  life.  Nevertheless,  in 
the  midst  of  this  evident  progress,  many  difficulties  and  embarrassments 
had  to  be  met  and  overcome.  Occasional  predatory  incursions  of  the 
natives  had  to  be  checked  and  sometimes  severely  punished  by  the  mili- 
tary power  of  the  Government ; and  foreign  traders  also,  particularly 
British,  caused  the  Government  much  trouble  and  annoyance.  But,  in 
the  order  of  a beneficent  Providence,  all  were  successfully  accomplished, 
and  the  majesty  of  the  laws  eventually  maintained. 

From  the  beginning,  the  people  of  Liberia,  with  a commendable  zeal 
and  firmness,  pursued  a steady  purpose  towards  the  fulfillment  of  the 
great  objects  of  their  mission  to  Africa.  They  have  established  on  her 
shores  an  asylum  free  from  political  oppression,  and  from  all  the  disabil- 
ities of  an  unholy  prejudice;  they  have  aided  essentially  in  extirpating 
the  slave-trade  from  the  whole  line  of  her  Western  coast ; they  have 
introduced  the  blessings  of  civilization  and  Christianity  among  her  heathen 
population ; and  I may  also  assume  that  by  their  entire  freedom  from  all 
insubordination  or  disregard  of  lawful  authority,  and  by  their  successful 
diplomacy  with  England,  France,  and  Spain,  on  matters  involving  very 
perplexing  international  questions,  they  have  indicated  some  ability,  at 
least,  for  self-government  and  the  management  of  their  own  public  affairs. 

And  just  here — as  I find  that  exceptions  are  pretty  generally  taken  in 
this  country  to  the  exclusion  of  whites  from  all  participation  in  the  Govern- 
ment of  Liberia — I may  remark  that  this  provision  in  the  organic  law  of 
the  Republic  was  not  prompted  by  any  feelings  of  prejudice  against  white 
men,  but  was  desirable  more  especially  for  the  reason  that  the  colonists 


13 


would  retain  in  their  own  hands  the  whole  control  of  the  Government 
until  they  should  fully  demonstrate  the  problem  as  to  their  ability  to 
conduct  the  affairs  of  a State.  And,  Mr.  President,  this,  I suppose,  may 
now  be  accounted  as  settled.  The  Republic  of  Liberia  is  now  a fixed 
fact,  with  all  the  elements  of  free  institutions  and  self-government,  em- 
bracing within  her  territorial  limits,  at  the  present  time,  about  six  hund- 
red miles  of  sea-coast,  and  an  interior  over  which  she  may  readily  ac- 
quire an  almost  unlimited  jurisdiction  whenever  she  shall  bo  prepared  to 
occupy  it.  Within  her  political  jurisdiction  is  a population  of'  not  less 
than  six  hundred  thousand  souls.  Of  this  number  fifteen  thousand  emi- 
grated from  the  United  States  and  other  civilized  countries  ; about  four 
thousand  recaptured  Africans,  and  the  remainder  aboriginal  inhabitants, 
and  of  these,  hundreds  have  been  hopefully  Christianized,  and  many  have 
become,  in  their  civilized  habits,  so  assimilated  to  the  Americo-Liberians, 
that  a stranger  would  not  readily  on  the  streets  discriminate  between 
them. 

In  the  four  counties  of  the  Republic  are  thirteen  flourishing  civilized 
towns  and  villages,  with  their  churches,  school-houses,  and  comfortable 
dwellings ' many  of  these  constructed  of  stone  and  brick,  and  not  only 
imposing  in  their  external  structure,  but  actually  possessing  all  the  neces- 
sary comforts  and  many  of  the  conveniences  of  modern  times ; and  reflect 
much  credit  upon  the  industry  and  enterprise  of  their  occupants. 

The  developments  of  agriculture  and  commerce  are  no  less  conspicuous. 
The  agricultural  settlements,  especially  along  the  banks  of  the  rivers, 
present  most  encouraging  prospects.  Besides  an  increased  and  steadily 
increasing  production  of  all  minor  articles,  sugar  and  coffee  (to  the  growth 
of  which  the  climate  and  soil  are  admirably  adapted)  are  being  exten- 
sively cultivated ; and  large  quantities  of  both  are  nowT  annually  exported 
to  foreign  markets. 

Commerce  has  more  astonishingly  increased.  I can  remember  when 
not  more  than  thirty  or  forty  tons  of  palm-oil,  and  perhaps  as  many  tons 
of  cam-wood,  could  be  collected  in  a year,  for  export,  along  the  whole  line 
of  coast  now  embraced  in  Liberia.  The  last  year,  though  I have  not  at 
hand  the  official  statistics,  I may  6afely  say,  not  less  than  six  hundred 
tons  of  cam-wood,  twelve  hundred  tons  of  palm-oil,  and  two  hundred  tons 
of  palm-kernels  were  included  in  the  exports  of  the  Republic.  And 
these  articles  of  commercial  enterprise  and  wealth  are  capable  of  being 
increased  to  almost  any  extent. 

Ship-building  for  the  coast- wise  trade  has  become  quite  a business  in 
each  of  the  counties.  Last  year  three  Liberian  vessels,  of  foreign  build, 
were  dispatched  for  Liverpool  with  full  cargoes  of  palm-oil,  cam-wood, 
and  ivory. 

I could  heartily  wish  that  the  cause  of  civilization  and  Christianity, 
among  the  aboriginal  tribes  of  that  country,  had  advanced  with  equally 


14 


rapid  strides  as  that  of  commerce  ; nevertheless,  much  real  good  has 
been  accomplished  in  that  direction  also.  Devoted  missionaries  from  the 
United  States  have  labored  earnestly,  many  of  them  even  sacrificing 
their  lives  in  efiorts  to  promote  the  Christian  welfare  of  that  people. 
Among  the  Amerieo-Liberians  their  Christian  civilization  has  always 
been  an  object  of  deep  solicitude.  And  it  is  a source  of  peculiar 
satisfaction  to  know  that  the  Christian  efforts  in  their  behalf  havo  not 
been  fruitless.  It  is  no  uncommon  thing  even  now,  and  all  times  a most 
pleasing  spectacle,  to  see  so  many  of  these  people,  once  the  blind  victims 
of  heathenish  superstition  and  idolatry,  bowing  side  by  side  with  their 
Americo-Liberia  brethern  at  the  same  Christian  altar,  and  worshippino- 
the  only  true  God.  Nay.  even  more,  there  are  now  native  Christian 
ministers  and  teachers  in  Liberia  who  are  laboring  successfully  in  the 
cause  of  Christ.  Most  of  these  native  ministers  and  teachers,  members 
respectively  of  the  several  Christian  denominations,  are  men  of  seemingly 
deep  piety,  and  very  respectable  acquirements  and  talents.  If  time  per- 
mitted, I might  particularize  several  of  these,  as  well  as  other  native 
converts,  who,  as  citizens  of  the  Republic,  have  distinguished  themselves 
for  usefulness,  not  only  in  the  ordinary  walks  of  life,  but  also  in  official 
positions  under  the  Government.  I may,  however,  allude  to  a single 
case  : that  of  a nativo  gentleman,  who,  about  twenty-five  years  ago,  then 
a heathen  lad.  was  admitted  into  a Methodist  mission  school  at  Monrovia, 
where  he  received  the  first  impressions  of  civilization,  and  acquired  the 
rudiments  of  an  English  education ; and  who  is  now  an  acceptable  mem- 
ber of  the  Liberia  Annual  Conference,  and  an  influential  member  of  the 
Legislature  of  the  Republic.  And  yet,  Mr.  President,  there  are  those  who 
inquire,  “What  has  African  colonization  accomplished  Well,  my  own 
conviction,  confirmed  by  many  years’  experience  in  nearly  all  that  relates 
to  colonization  and  Liberia,  is,  that  African  colonization  has  accomplished 
a work  unparalleled,  as  far  as  my  knowledge  goes,  by  anything  in  the 
history  of  modern  times. 

I rejoice  to  meet  here  to-night  so  many  distinguished  Christian 
philanthropists  who,  for  these  many  years,  have  devoted  much  of  their 
time  and  substance  to  this  noble  enterprise  ; and  1 may  be  pardoned,  I 
trust,  in  expressing  the  sincere  satisfaction  it  affords  me  in  seeing  present 
at  this  meeting  that  old,  devoted,  and  self-sacrificing  friend  of  Africa 
and  of  African  colonization,  the  Rev.  R R Gurley  who,  by  his  burn- 
ing eloquence,  in  the  days  of  his  early  manhood,  and  at  times  when  this 
great  Society  seemed  to  languish  under  depressing  discouragements, 
would  stir  the  hearts  of  Christians  in  its  behalf,  and  kindle  there  a flame 
of  generous  benevolence  which  would  give  new  life  and  energy  to  tne 
great  undertaking ; and,  still  more,  not  content  to  rely  wholly  on  the 
testimony  of  others  in  regard  to  the  actual  condition  of  the  infant  colony, 
and  to  satisfy  himself  more  fully  as  to  its  future  prospects,  he  visited 


15 


Liberia  several  times,  and  on  two  occasions  was  enabled  to  render  im- 
portant service  to  the  little  Commonwealth.  I am  happy  to  say  that  the 
people  of  Liberia  to-day  entertain  towards  our  good  friend,  Mr.  Gurley, 
sentiments  of  the  highest  regard  and  esteem ; and,  I may  also  add,  to- 
ward this  Society,  feelings  of  profound  gratitudo.  But,  Mr.  President, 
I was  about  to  say  that  these  long  and  tried  friends  of  African  coloniza- 
tion entertain  no  doubts  as  to  the  immense  benefits  conferred  upon 
Africa  through  the  instrumentality  of  this  Society,  and  who  can  now  look 
back  with  profound  satisfaction  upon  the  cheering  results  of  their  individ- 
ual efforts  in  the  cause  of  God  and  humanity. 

So  much  then  for  the  past  and  present  of  Liberia.  So  far,  God  has 
graciously  vouchsafed  to  her  on  occasions  of  threatened  danger  and 
extreme  peril,  deliverances  which  no  human  forethought  or  mere  human 
power  could  possibly  have  averted  or  rescued  her  from.  He  has  won- 
derfully sustained  and  prospered  all  her  essential  interests.  What,  then, 
may  we  not  hope  and  reasonably  expect  as  to  the  future  ? My  own 
convictions  are  that  Heaven  has  great  things  in  store  for  Africa,  to  be 
conferred  doubtless  through  the  instrumentality  of  Liberia. 

While  Liberia  is  emphatically  the  offspring  of  American  benevolence 
and  Christian  philanthropy,  and  while  the  friends  of  African  colonization 
have  great  reason  to  bo  proud  of  its  achievements,  it  is  no  less  clear  in 
my  mind  that  the  colonization  enterprise  was  conceived  in  accordance 
with  a Divine  purpose,  looking  to  the  redemption  and  elevation  of  a 
people  long  enchained  in  the  shackles  of  cruel  barbarism.  And,  if  this 
be  so,  Liberia  is  evidently  designed  to  a glorious  future  ; and  that  it  is 
so,  her  past  history  seems  clearly  to  indicate,  for  we  find  there  so  many 
evidences  of  Divine  favor  we  are  forced  to  the  conclusion  that  Providence 
lias  not  done  so  much  for  nothing.  And  besides,  in  the  ordinary  course 
of  human  affairs,  there  seems  to  me  no  reason  whatever  why  Liberia  may 
not  continue  to  prosper,  and  go  on  to  distinguish  herself  in  all  that 
adorns  civil  society  and  tends  to  national  greatness. 

The  country  possesses  certainly  all  iho  natural  advantages  common 
to  most  other  countries,  and  in  the  means  of  animal  subsistence,  perhaps 
superior  to  any  other.  I am  aware  that  this  beneficence  of  nature  may 
bo  regarded  as  a very  questionable  advantage,  as  it  sends  greatly  to  pro- 
mote indolent  habits.  But  this,  I may  safely  say,  no  country  in  the  world 
better  remunerates  labor,  and  especially  the  labors  of  the  husbandman, 
than  Liberia. 

The  interior  presents  a country  inviting  in  all  its  aspects : a fine 
rolling  country,  abounding  iD  streams  and  rivulets;  forests  of  timber  in 
great  variety,  abundance,  and  usefulness ; and  I have  no  doubt  ^quite 
salubrious,  being  free  from  the  miasmatic  influences  of  the  mungrove 
swamps  near  the  coast. 

The  commercial  resources  of  Liberia,  even  at  the  present  time, 


16 


though  scarcely  commenced  to  be  developed,  are  of  sufficient  importance 
to  induce  foreigners,  American  and  European,  to  locate  in  the  Eepublic 
for  the  purposes  of  trade.  And  I verily  believe  the  agricultural  and 
commercial  sources  of  wealth  in  Western  aud  Central  Africa  are  far 
beyond  the  most  carefully  studied  speculations  of  those  even  who  are 
best  acquainted  with  the  nature  and  capacity  of  the  country.  The 
development  of  these  will  continue  to  progress,  and  must,  in  the  very 
nature  of  things,  secure  to  Liberia  great  commercial  importance ; and 
this  will  bring  her  citizens  into  such  business  relations  with  the  peoples 
of  other  portions  of  the  world  as  will  insure  to  them  that  consideration 
which  wealth,  learning,  and  moral  worth  never  fail  to  inspire. 

With  what  rapidity  Liberia  shall  progress  in  her  future  career  is 
a question  involving  several  considerations;  and,  doubtless,  the  most 
important  among  these  is  a strict  adherence  by  her  people  to  the 
principles  of  true  Christianity,  and  a firm  reliance  on  Him  who  disposes 
all  things  according  to  His  own  will.  Of  course,  much  also  depends  upon 
additional  help  from  the  United  States  to  aid  in  advancing  still  more 
rapidly  the  civilizing  and  Christianizing  her  present  aboriginal  popula- 
tion, and  so  prepare  them  for  greater  usefulness  as  citizens  of  the  Re- 
public ; and  this  work  shall  go  on  penetrating  into  the  interior,  until 
other  heathen  tribes  shall  bo  brought  within  tlio  scope  of  Christian  civil- 
ization and  incorporated  in  the  Eepublic,  thus  forming  an  African  nation- 
ality that  will  command  the  respect  of  the  civilized  world.  All  this  I be- 
lieve to  be  entirely  practicable.  I believe  Heaven  designs  that  Africa 
shall  be  redeemed ; that  the  light  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  shall  shine 
there  ; that  her  great  natural  resources  shall  be  developed  ; that  she 
■shall  take  rank  with  other  States  and  Empires ; that  she  shall  have  a 
literature  and  a history.  Is  there  any  reason  why  all  this  may  not  come 
to  pass  ? I trow  not.  Liberia  has  already  made  rapid  strides — now  in 
treaty  relations  with  thirteen  foreign  Powers,  including  the  United  States. 
Then,  surely,  wo  have  every  reason  to  hope  and  believe  that  a kind  Prov- 
idence will  continue  to  watch  over  all  her  interests,  and  that  her  future 
career  will  be  equally  progressive. 

I know,  Mr.  President,  you  believe  the  Divine  decree,  that  “ Ethiopia 
shall  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God  doubtless  all  Christians  believe 
this.  Would,  then,  that  Christians  throughout  these  United  States,  and 
indeed  all  Christendom,  fully  appreciated  the  responsibility  they  are  un- 
der to  aid  in  the  fulfillment  of  this  inspired  prophecy ; then,  surely,  this 
Society,  under  whose  auspices  so  much  is  being  dono  toward  the  further- 
ance of  that  grand  event,  could  not  fail  to  receive  that  sympathy  and  sup- 
port necessary  to  the  efficient  prosecution  of  an  enterprise  which  promises 
so  much  real  good  to  Africa- 


The  subscriber,  as  Secretary  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  at 
Washington,  D.  C.,  came  to  New  York  in  April,  18G7,  by  invitation,  to 
labor  in  behalf  of  said  Society  ; and,  finding  encouragement,  his  labors  were 
continued,  with  some  necessary  interruptions,  through  the  year.  During 
the  latter  part  of  this  period,  valuable  assistance  was  rendered  in  the  work 
by  Hon.  G.  P.  Disosway,  Secretary  of  the  New  York  State  Colonization 
Society. 


With  a view  to  obtain  an  expression  of  feeling  from  some  of  the 
leading  friends  of  the  cause  in  regard  to  a continuation  of  this  agency  in 
/ the  State,  a paper  was  prepared  and  circulated  for  signatures — of  which 


the  following  is  a copy  : 


New  Yotsk,  May,  1868. 


The  undersigned,  gratified  at  the  success  of  the  efforts  made  in  this 
State  during  the  past  year  by  the  American  Colonization  Society  to  awaken 
a new  interest  in  the  cause  of  African  Colonization,  and  believing  the 
plan  that  has  been  adopted  to  be  the  best  that  can  be  pursued,  desire  said 
Society  to  continue  its  agency  in  the  State.  It  is  also  our  earnest  wish  that 
Hon.  G.  P.  Disosway  be  retained  as  Secretary  of  the  State  Society,  to 
co-operate  with  the  parent  Society’s  agency  in  its  efforts  for  the  further 
promotion  of  the  great  and  good  cause. 


MOSES  ALLEN’, 
BENJAMIN  I.  HAIGHT, 
HIRAM  KETCH  CM, 
GARDINER  SPRING, 
ALMON  MEKWIN, 
WILLIAM  J.  R.  TAYLOR, 
T.  RALSTON  SMITH, 

J.  H.  BROWNING, 

JOHN  STEWARD, 

JOHN  A.  STEWART, 

J.  S.  LORD, 

WILLIAM  B.  SPRAGUE, 
ERASTUS  CORNING, 
JOHN  SXIKFEN,  Jk., 
JOSEPH  HOLDICH, 

JOHN  N.  McLEOD, 

S.  D.  DENISON, 
ZACHARY  EDDY, 


H.  K.  BULL, 

H.  K.  CORNING, 

HENRY  YOUNG, 
AMBROSE  K.  ELY, 

S.  1RENAUS  PRIME, 

J.  D.  WELLS, 

ELBERT  S.  PORTER, 

A.  A.  CHURCH, 
WILLIAM  BLACK, 
NICHOLAS  D.  HERDER, 
H.  G.  MARQUAND, 

R.  M.  OLYPHANT, 

D.  S.  GREGORY, 

JAMES  C.  HOLDEN, 

E.  0.  COOK, 

DUNCAN  CAMPBELL, 

J.  W.  HARPER, 

S.  B.  STEWART, 


THEODORE  L.  MASON. 


